St Patrick's Day 2012

For children in Ireland, St Patrick's Day which is celebrated each year on 17 March, often means indulging in sweets and chocolates which they had vowed to give up for Lent. Special dispensation has traditionally been allowed on St Patrick's Day and adds an extra frisson of excitement and sweetness to the celebration of our National Holiday.

 

The run up to the big day itself is usually marked by the learning of the story of St Patrick in school. Most children of school going age, will be able to recount the story of the national saint. But in case you need a bit of help enlightening your children, the story is briefly as follows.

 

St Patrick was born late in the 4th Century in Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland, and was the son of a Roman official. At the age of 16, he was taken to Ireland as a slave and spent many years herding sheep on Slemish Mountain in County Antrim. He managed to escape after 6 years and went on to become a Priest and later a Bishop. He then returned to Ireland as a missionary working to convert pagan Ireland to Christianity.

 

He is believe to have died at Saul, Downpatrick in the 5th century on March 17, which is the day St. Patrick's Day is commemorated each year.

 

Ireland’s association with the shamrock is also credited to St Patrick who is said to have used it to explain the concept of the holy trinity to the pagan Irish. 

 

Originally St Patricks Day was celebrated only as a religious feast day in Ireland. It became a public holiday in 1903. The first St Patricks Day Parade was held in the Irish Free State in 1931. In 1995 the Irish Government set up the St Patricks Festival with the aim of promoting all aspects of Irish culture and stimulating tourism.

 

It is now traditional that on the 17 March, the entire Government is abroad, representing Ireland in various far flung parts of the globe. The Taoiseach goes to Washington to the annual St Patrick Day celebration in the White House.

Billed as the best St Patrick's Day Parade in the world, the Dublin parade has certainly improved hugely over the last number of years and has taken on a distinctly carnival feel. Street drama is provided by elaborate floats and performing artists from pageant companies from all over Ireland. Marching bands still feature prominently. 

 

St. Patrick’s Festival brings the nation alive, and promises six lively days and nights of free celebrations and encompasses a feeling of what it means to be or just feel Irish.

 

The St Patricks Parade leaves Parnell Square North at 12 noon on  17 March and takes approximately 2 hours to pass by and continues on to O’Connell Street and over O’Connell Bridge to Westmoreland Street.  It then winds it’s way down Dame Street and Lord Edward Street passes by Christchurch Cathedral and along Patrick Street where it finishes just past St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Take a leisurely stroll to Dublin’s Creative Quarter and whet your appetite for Irish design. Watch Irish designers at work and experience their wonderful craftsmanship first hand.

23 locations will be taking part to celebrate Irish design and innovation from fashion boutiques to coffee shops. Visitors and residents of Dublin are invited to experience a collection of Irish design and culture through a range of venues all in one location. See craft in action in Project51, listen to a history of the Creative Quarter in Om Diva, Blind Tiger Collective will be launching a new range of t-shirts ‘Project A Apparel’. Special late night opening.

Takes place on Friday 16 March, South William Street Dame Street from 18.00. 

 

 

 

 

From carousels to roller coasters, family attractions to ferris wheels there is something for everyone at the Funfairs. Dare to be suspended upside down, turned over or whisked through the air.

A firm festival favourite, the Funfairs will light up the city with top-notch carnival fairgrounds.

Whether you are young or young at heart come along!

• Merrion Square West

Date: Friday 16th March - Monday 19th March
Time: Friday - Sunday 11:00 - 23:00, Monday 11:00 - 20:00

• Wolfe Tone Park

Date: Friday 16th March - Monday 19th March
Time: 11:00 - 20:00

• Custom House Quay

Date: Saturday 17th March - Monday 19th March
Time: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 22:00, Monday 10:00 - 20:00

 

Family Architecture Tour

This tour awakens children’s interest in architecture and the city – from spotting quirky building details to discovering the Georgian architecture of Merrion Square. Participation will be encouraged through activities and questions that stimulate children’s interaction.

The tour will be mainly on Merrion Square area. The area contains a variety of historic buildings with plenty of interesting details and stories. An added bonus is that area is mainly traffic-free. Guides are equipped with an activity pack containing Activity sheets, Crayon & pencils.

The tours will be guided by RIAI registered architects, architectural graduates and urban specialists all of who have a passion for architecture.

Tour capacity is limited. Pre-booking is essential.

Tickets: €10 Adults, €5 Children available by emailing contact@architecturetours.ie

Saturday 17th & Monday 19th March

In Association with Architecture Tours Ireland.

 

St Patrick Day Big Day Out

A street carnival like no other, Big Day Out is bursting with colour, street performances, theatrics, Irish language events, workshops, fun zones, music, open air shows and more.

Don’t miss MuMusic Circus an amusing, fresh, and exciting show from Spain, that combines acrobatics, incredible handstands and live music. Jon Hicks the International Man of Artistry will be creating portraits of famous icons and entertaining audiences with his clowning around! The awe inspiring aerialists Sorcaluba will guarantee a circus spectacle that won’t be easily forgotten and for some hilarious family fun come and see the interactive comedy circus act by the Fanzini Brothers.

In addition to these wonderful acts, Big Day Out will feature creative craft workshops, hip hop dancing fun for kids and mesmerizing drumming performances. Set in stunning Georgian Dublin there are treats in store for all ages and tastes!

Experience the wonder and excitement of science in a fun, entertaining and interactive manner at the Discover Science & Engineering area. You don’t have to be a Young Einstein to get involved, just roll up and take part!

Drop by the GaelSpraoi area ‘An Puball Gaeilge’ which presents a jam-packed programme for the whole family! Bain sult as an teanga agus as an fhéile!

Date:- Sunday 18 March

Where:- Merrion Square, Dublin 2

Time:- Start 12.00